On this page: Major Description | Requirements | Learning Objectives
The Mathematical Thinking & Visualization Major
MTV draws on mathematics, statistics, and visual studies to develop new practices and tools for discovering, analyzing, and representing data. The major allows students to link mathematical thinking – the ability to recognize mathematical forms in relation to real-world phenomena – and data and information visualization – the ability to communicate and think about data in visualized form across contexts.
Career Focus
Students graduating with an MTV major may enter into the wide variety of fields focused on data analysis and visualization, including statistics, visual analytics, and geographic information systems and sciences.
More information about career possibilities or pursuing graduate school.
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MTV Major Requirements
Recommended Preparation
Interested in exploring this major, but not ready to commit? Consider taking one of the below courses! Any of these selections will help familiarize you with the academic program and prepare you for advanced coursework in the major.
- CSS 107 Introduction to Programming through Animated Storytelling
- CSS 142 Computer Programming I
- CSS 143 Computer Programming II
- B IMD 250 Introduction to Interaction Design
- STMATH 125 Calculus II
Prerequisites
In addition to the general admission requirements, students must have completed the following prerequisites to be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Thinking & Visualization:
- one quarter of calculus (min 2.0 grade)
- One quarter of statistics (BIS 215 Understanding Statistics, STAT 220 Principles of Statistical Reasoning or equivalent) is strongly recommended before applying to the major. One quarter of statistics (with a min. 2.0 grade) will become a major prerequisite beginning Autumn quarter 2022.
Students can complete these regularly taught courses at UW Bothell or at another institution. These courses provide underpinnings of the quantitative models and essential mathematical ideas.
Degree Requirements
TOTAL = 70 Credits
*Should be taken in the first quarter of IAS enrollment.
Note: Classes in this major will be offered primarily during day-time hours.
Sample Plan
View a sample course plan.
School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences (IAS) Requirements & Policies
Interdisciplinary Practice & Reflection (IPR)
The IPR requirement can be completed through elective credits or it can overlap with major coursework.
Areas of Knowledge
25 credits must be completed in each Area of Knowledge. The Areas of Knowledge are: Visual, Literary and Performing Arts (VLPA), Individuals and Societies (I&S), and Natural World (NW).
Multiply-designated courses may not be double-counted as fulfilling two Areas of Knowledge. Courses may apply to both an Area of Knowledge requirement and an LEPP major requirement.
Upper Division Credit Policy
Of the credits applying to MTV major requirements, a minimum of 48 must be completed at the Upper Division (300-400) level.
Matriculated status
Courses taken to satisfy MTV major requirements must be completed in matriculated status.
Admitted prior to Autumn Quarter, 2020?
Students admitted to the MTV major prior to Autumn 2020 may be eligible to complete a retired set of major requirements. For more information, please check with your major advisor.
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Learning objectives
In addition to major-specific learning objectives, undergraduate students in all majors within Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences (IAS) focus on five core learning objectives.
MTV Learning Objectives
- Acquire critical competence in different ways to address real-world, quantitative concerns and to find solutions that are both efficient and equitable.
- Learn to apply statistical and mathematical tools and critique their applications, including building and evaluating arguments based on quantitative data.
- Generate reliable data and choose appropriate methods to apply to a given data set.
- Gain experience creating visual representations of problems and data, and communicate these ideas, results, and analyses in multiple formats.
- Learn to work in interdisciplinary teams to communicate and to understand a range of issues, especially those around social and planetary justice, that have quantitative underpinnings.
- Synthesize quantitative research with other ways of knowing.
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